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Chili Cook-Off Mystery #2
Death by Devil's Breath
Whoever dies in Vegas, stays in Vegas in the second Chili Cook-Off Mystery...
In Las Vegas, the stakes are high—and so is the Scoville scale. Maxie Pierce and the Chili Showdown are in town for a very heated contest devoted to judging the legendary and notorious-for-being-self-combustible Devil’s Breath chili. The guest judges are casino performers with a taste for chili and an eye for publicity.
Maxie is already going mad organizing the event, dealing with her snide half sister, Sylvia, and trying to figure out her hothead of security, Nick. But when a local hack comedian drops dead in the middle of the Showdown, it isn’t the spicy dish—it’s poison. And Maxie is going to have to shuffle through a full deck of suspects to pick out the culprit.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES!
In Las Vegas, the stakes are high—and so is the Scoville scale. Maxie Pierce and the Chili Showdown are in town for a very heated contest devoted to judging the legendary and notorious-for-being-self-combustible Devil’s Breath chili. The guest judges are casino performers with a taste for chili and an eye for publicity.
Maxie is already going mad organizing the event, dealing with her snide half sister, Sylvia, and trying to figure out her hothead of security, Nick. But when a local hack comedian drops dead in the middle of the Showdown, it isn’t the spicy dish—it’s poison. And Maxie is going to have to shuffle through a full deck of suspects to pick out the culprit.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES!
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
19 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Logan
31 books445 followersAlso writes as Miranda Bliss, Casey Daniels, Zoe Daniels, Connie Deka, Mimi Granger, Anastasia Hastings, Connie Lane, Connie Laux, Constance Laux, Lucy Ness.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 23, 2020
Maxie's father sold spices in a travelling chili cook-off circuit and disappeared eight weeks ago. Maxie and her half-sister, Sylvia, who she doesn't get along with (they have the same father), keep running the family business. Now the the Chili Showdown is in Las Vegas.
Minor Las Vegas entertainers (a blind singer, a comedian and a magician) along with a wedding officiant are judges in the Devil's Breath chili contest ... the entertainers want the publicity because whoever sells the most tickets to their upcoming shows will be in attendance a couple days later for a large group wedding. When the comedian is murdered during the contest, it could have been anyone who did it since no one liked him. Despite being told to stay out of it by Nick, the Showdown's head of security, she still keeps at it.
Though this is the second in the Chili Cook-Off Mystery Series by this author, it works as a stand alone as there is enough background provided (I'd read the first one). It is written in first person perspective in Maxie's voice. I liked Maxie well enough, though I found that she jumped to conclusions as to "whodunnit" without a lot of evidence and doesn't seem to have any filters ... she speaks without thinking (she doesn't seem very mature). Sylvia was too bitter and nasty and not likable at all. It's a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. I thought story and writing were okay and I liked it enough to read the next one in the series.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/06...
Minor Las Vegas entertainers (a blind singer, a comedian and a magician) along with a wedding officiant are judges in the Devil's Breath chili contest ... the entertainers want the publicity because whoever sells the most tickets to their upcoming shows will be in attendance a couple days later for a large group wedding. When the comedian is murdered during the contest, it could have been anyone who did it since no one liked him. Despite being told to stay out of it by Nick, the Showdown's head of security, she still keeps at it.
Though this is the second in the Chili Cook-Off Mystery Series by this author, it works as a stand alone as there is enough background provided (I'd read the first one). It is written in first person perspective in Maxie's voice. I liked Maxie well enough, though I found that she jumped to conclusions as to "whodunnit" without a lot of evidence and doesn't seem to have any filters ... she speaks without thinking (she doesn't seem very mature). Sylvia was too bitter and nasty and not likable at all. It's a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. I thought story and writing were okay and I liked it enough to read the next one in the series.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/06...
November 6, 2017
So much formula was a quick read. Main characters are two half sisters who sell chili spices and assorted related items at weekend chili cook-offs. They are both very set in their ways and neither is very likable. Bodies show up and one sister moans and groans and the other snoops where she should not. Am struggling through #3 and do not plan to read anymore. This author has a good series of the button shop but this one is no where near as good a time.
February 2, 2018
While some of the characters in this series are a bit ridiculous, the stories are fun and the relationships are interesting. I love this author, and enjoyed the book
May 29, 2018
Lots of wrong paths. A hard one to solve, a fun one to read.
August 18, 2014
Death by Devil's Breath is the second book in Kylie Logan's Chili Cook-Off mystery series featuring Maxie Pierce. This heroine has just about as much spice as her award winning chili seasonings. Logan captivates readers with the lure of the cook-off circuit and the antics that go on behind the scenes, while giving them a good solid mystery and tons of humor. A great addition to this series which is sure to be a winner!
What I liked:
Who doesn't love a good bowl of hearty, meaty chili? It's one of my favorite meals on a cold day or even on a sunny one, if the mood strikes. Kylie Logan has really stumbled onto a great idea with the Chili Cook-Off mystery series. Cook-off circuits tend to be filled with over the top characters and outrageous personalities, but most of all these people are serious about their food and their reputations. A breeding ground for a good mystery? I think so...
In the first book in the series, Maxie Pierce joins her sister Sylvia in running the Hot-Cha Chili Seasoning Palace. She hired Nick as her head of security and a cast of comical characters was born. Kylie Logan's use of humor is one of the best parts of this series. Not only does she give her heroine a 'spicy' personality, but she puts her in all sorts of situations that showcase her unusual sense of humor and view of life. She is a lot of fun to read and readers will find themselves laughing their way through this book.
That's not to say that murder is a laughing matter, but comic relief lightens the mood of the book. Local comedian, Dickie Dunkin ends up dead in his bowl of Devil's Breath Chili. There is a cast of performers and tons of other suspects. It's Vegas and anything can happen. The mystery aspects of the story were solid. The clues were strategically placed throughout the story. It was a toss up as to who I thought the killer might be. Funny thing was... it wasn't either of the ones I had picked out. The mark of a good mystery writer!
What I didn't like:
Maxie's relationship with her sister, Sylvia is typical of siblings, but sometimes it gets a little monotonous. I wanted to grab them both and give them a good shake a time or two, but I think that might be part of the charm of the series. I also wanted to know more about the mystery surrounding their father, and I didn't think we got too much further on that front in this book.
Bottom Line:
Readers who are looking for a comical mystery will love this one. Tons of humor, a cast of characters that are loyal even if they don't always get along. And a mystery thread that runs throughout the series. That means I'm looking forward to the next one and that I think you'd be missing a real treat if you pass this one up.
What I liked:
Who doesn't love a good bowl of hearty, meaty chili? It's one of my favorite meals on a cold day or even on a sunny one, if the mood strikes. Kylie Logan has really stumbled onto a great idea with the Chili Cook-Off mystery series. Cook-off circuits tend to be filled with over the top characters and outrageous personalities, but most of all these people are serious about their food and their reputations. A breeding ground for a good mystery? I think so...
In the first book in the series, Maxie Pierce joins her sister Sylvia in running the Hot-Cha Chili Seasoning Palace. She hired Nick as her head of security and a cast of comical characters was born. Kylie Logan's use of humor is one of the best parts of this series. Not only does she give her heroine a 'spicy' personality, but she puts her in all sorts of situations that showcase her unusual sense of humor and view of life. She is a lot of fun to read and readers will find themselves laughing their way through this book.
That's not to say that murder is a laughing matter, but comic relief lightens the mood of the book. Local comedian, Dickie Dunkin ends up dead in his bowl of Devil's Breath Chili. There is a cast of performers and tons of other suspects. It's Vegas and anything can happen. The mystery aspects of the story were solid. The clues were strategically placed throughout the story. It was a toss up as to who I thought the killer might be. Funny thing was... it wasn't either of the ones I had picked out. The mark of a good mystery writer!
What I didn't like:
Maxie's relationship with her sister, Sylvia is typical of siblings, but sometimes it gets a little monotonous. I wanted to grab them both and give them a good shake a time or two, but I think that might be part of the charm of the series. I also wanted to know more about the mystery surrounding their father, and I didn't think we got too much further on that front in this book.
Bottom Line:
Readers who are looking for a comical mystery will love this one. Tons of humor, a cast of characters that are loyal even if they don't always get along. And a mystery thread that runs throughout the series. That means I'm looking forward to the next one and that I think you'd be missing a real treat if you pass this one up.
September 15, 2015
Another Chili Showdown and another body. This time in Las Vegas a judge drops dead at the judging table and some busy body will have to stick her nose in to solve the mystery. Have you ever beat your head on a brick wall and decided to try it again? Well that is where I feel this book falls. Perhaps it was a sense of commitment to complete the series. Especially when I found there were only three books in the series, Thank God! Cozy mysteries just do not seem to be my cup of tea, or bowl of chili. Not that these are overly horrible just that I prefer a different type of mystery novel.
So on to the next book!
So on to the next book!
July 18, 2015
Calling this one 2.5 stars and disappointing. I liked the first one, but Maxie got on my last nerve in this one and her sister was even more unlikable. Skimmed some parts just to be done with it. Wont read any more in this series.
February 28, 2015
The second in the Chili Cookoff mystery series continues on with Maxie sticking her nose into everybody's business after a man was poisoned after eating poisoned chili. This mystery is full of of strange characters that make things interesting. It was a fast, fun read.
March 16, 2018
this book was a fun read. really like the sister interaction between Sylvia and Maxie. the chili cook-off had me making it for dinner. the setting of Vegas was perfect for the over the top scenes and other characters.
December 1, 2018
This 2nd book in this series was more interesting than the first one. It is set in Los Vegas and the creative characters add zest to the story. The ending hints of the next tale will be set in a different city. Book number three is on the next reading list. copy right 2014
March 10, 2019
Breezy fun read. Both Maxie and her (half) sister Sylvia were maddening at times, but still interesting. Unusual setting.
September 10, 2021
Good mystery
September 21, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/de...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
The Chili Showdown, a group of vendors who travel together to showcase their wares and conduct chili cook offs, have come to Vegas for a Devil’s Breath Chili competition. Maxie and Sylvia’s father spearheads the Showdown, but is missing, so Maxie is front and center the morning of the contest. The contestants include a professional chili man, a monk, a woman with ties to Jack, and another man who seems too good to be true. The judges are employees of the hosting casino, regular performers including a singer, pianist, magician, and comedian. Also included is a former employee who is now the owner of a successful local wedding chapel. Partway through the competition, Dickie, the comedian, drops right into his bowl of red, apparently poisoned. His comedic style was pretty harsh, and the other judges all have reason to want him dead. Dickie knew secrets about them all and was blackmailing them to ensure his silence. Could any of them have killed him, or is it one of the contestants, or someone else entirely? Maxie takes it upon herself to investigate because she does not want anything to taint the Showdown’s reputation. Meanwhile, she deals with someone sabotaging her – itching powder in her chili costume, Vaseline on the soles of her shoes, profanity painted on the costume, and, most dangerous of all, a neon sign that conveniently falls and narrowly misses Maxie. Is the killer out to stop her or is this some kind of revenge for her past antics?
I have not read the first book in this series but thought I would enjoy this since I read a lot of culinary mysteries and really like Logan’s League of Literary Ladies series. Alas, I did not find the characters likable, and that is a bit of disappointment. Some readers may find Maxie spunky or sassy, but I found her to be lazy, snarky, and full of too much drama. Her sister – no, we must always refer to her as half-sister – Sylvia was bratty and her behavior juvenile. I can understand their animosity towards each other since they are results of their father’s infidelity, but I found their constant antics taxing. And, if their father, Jack, has been missing for a couple of months, why are they not more concerned and actively looking for him? What makes him so appealing that an old flame, Bernadette, would carry a torch for him many years after their affair ended and maliciously inflict bodily harm to Maxie? The whole dynamics of this left me scratching my head. I would, however, like to know more about Nick and the other supporting characters that travel the Showdown circuit. The suspect characters were relatively well drawn, and the motivation behind the crime somewhat unusual.
I would recommend this cozy for fans of the genre, especially culinary, and those who don’t mind character friction and a big dose of drama.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
The Chili Showdown, a group of vendors who travel together to showcase their wares and conduct chili cook offs, have come to Vegas for a Devil’s Breath Chili competition. Maxie and Sylvia’s father spearheads the Showdown, but is missing, so Maxie is front and center the morning of the contest. The contestants include a professional chili man, a monk, a woman with ties to Jack, and another man who seems too good to be true. The judges are employees of the hosting casino, regular performers including a singer, pianist, magician, and comedian. Also included is a former employee who is now the owner of a successful local wedding chapel. Partway through the competition, Dickie, the comedian, drops right into his bowl of red, apparently poisoned. His comedic style was pretty harsh, and the other judges all have reason to want him dead. Dickie knew secrets about them all and was blackmailing them to ensure his silence. Could any of them have killed him, or is it one of the contestants, or someone else entirely? Maxie takes it upon herself to investigate because she does not want anything to taint the Showdown’s reputation. Meanwhile, she deals with someone sabotaging her – itching powder in her chili costume, Vaseline on the soles of her shoes, profanity painted on the costume, and, most dangerous of all, a neon sign that conveniently falls and narrowly misses Maxie. Is the killer out to stop her or is this some kind of revenge for her past antics?
I have not read the first book in this series but thought I would enjoy this since I read a lot of culinary mysteries and really like Logan’s League of Literary Ladies series. Alas, I did not find the characters likable, and that is a bit of disappointment. Some readers may find Maxie spunky or sassy, but I found her to be lazy, snarky, and full of too much drama. Her sister – no, we must always refer to her as half-sister – Sylvia was bratty and her behavior juvenile. I can understand their animosity towards each other since they are results of their father’s infidelity, but I found their constant antics taxing. And, if their father, Jack, has been missing for a couple of months, why are they not more concerned and actively looking for him? What makes him so appealing that an old flame, Bernadette, would carry a torch for him many years after their affair ended and maliciously inflict bodily harm to Maxie? The whole dynamics of this left me scratching my head. I would, however, like to know more about Nick and the other supporting characters that travel the Showdown circuit. The suspect characters were relatively well drawn, and the motivation behind the crime somewhat unusual.
I would recommend this cozy for fans of the genre, especially culinary, and those who don’t mind character friction and a big dose of drama.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
August 23, 2014
Cold-blooded murder can be hot as hell…
In Las Vegas, the stakes are high—and so is the Scoville scale. Maxie Pierce and the Chili Showdown are in town for a very heated contest devoted to judging the legendary and notorious-for-being-self-combustible Devil’s Breath chili. The guest judges are casino performers with a taste for chili and an eye for publicity.
Maxie is already going mad organizing the event, dealing with her snide half sister, Sylvia, and trying to figure out her hothead of security, Nick. But when a local hack comedian drops dead in the middle of the Showdown, it isn’t the spicy dish—it’s poison. And Maxie is going to have to shuffle through a full deck of suspects to pick out the culprit.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas but this Chili Showdown almost gave Maxie more than even she could handle. She even gets a blast from her past!
Maxie is a smart protag with just the right amount of spice. She and her half sister Sylvia are supposed to be running their dad’s business, Jack Pierce’s Hot-Cha Chili Seasoning Palace, together since he has disappeared without a trace, but it is not going well. The Showdown has been assigned to the Deadeye, a Western town set up in a section in the hotel/casino. Their booth assignment happens to be the bordello, well it is the “biggest” and “nicest” place in Deadeye but Sylvia is not amused at all. She is also not happy by all the things keeping Maxie from working at the booth. Besides trying to find a killer she keep having costume issues and the Chili Chick is not doing much dancing.
Logan has not only taken us to Las Vegas she has introduced us to some of the performing “headliners” at the Casino. Sadly one of them dies and the mystery begins. These people are not all who they appear to be and have some secrets needed in a story like this. They are all vying to assist in breaking a world’s record as Reverend Linda Love officiates the largest mass wedding ever to be performed on a Sunday afternoon in Nevada at a Western themed hotel.
Kylie Logan writes such great stories. I am excited every time I hear about a new one coming out. Death by Devil’s Breath is just so funny. Don’t get me wrong, the mystery is very well plotted and the characters and settings are fantastic, but I have some pictures in my head of Maxie in the Chili Chick costume that will be with me forever. I have not laughed this much while reading a book in a long time.
In Las Vegas, the stakes are high—and so is the Scoville scale. Maxie Pierce and the Chili Showdown are in town for a very heated contest devoted to judging the legendary and notorious-for-being-self-combustible Devil’s Breath chili. The guest judges are casino performers with a taste for chili and an eye for publicity.
Maxie is already going mad organizing the event, dealing with her snide half sister, Sylvia, and trying to figure out her hothead of security, Nick. But when a local hack comedian drops dead in the middle of the Showdown, it isn’t the spicy dish—it’s poison. And Maxie is going to have to shuffle through a full deck of suspects to pick out the culprit.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas but this Chili Showdown almost gave Maxie more than even she could handle. She even gets a blast from her past!
Maxie is a smart protag with just the right amount of spice. She and her half sister Sylvia are supposed to be running their dad’s business, Jack Pierce’s Hot-Cha Chili Seasoning Palace, together since he has disappeared without a trace, but it is not going well. The Showdown has been assigned to the Deadeye, a Western town set up in a section in the hotel/casino. Their booth assignment happens to be the bordello, well it is the “biggest” and “nicest” place in Deadeye but Sylvia is not amused at all. She is also not happy by all the things keeping Maxie from working at the booth. Besides trying to find a killer she keep having costume issues and the Chili Chick is not doing much dancing.
Logan has not only taken us to Las Vegas she has introduced us to some of the performing “headliners” at the Casino. Sadly one of them dies and the mystery begins. These people are not all who they appear to be and have some secrets needed in a story like this. They are all vying to assist in breaking a world’s record as Reverend Linda Love officiates the largest mass wedding ever to be performed on a Sunday afternoon in Nevada at a Western themed hotel.
Kylie Logan writes such great stories. I am excited every time I hear about a new one coming out. Death by Devil’s Breath is just so funny. Don’t get me wrong, the mystery is very well plotted and the characters and settings are fantastic, but I have some pictures in my head of Maxie in the Chili Chick costume that will be with me forever. I have not laughed this much while reading a book in a long time.
October 18, 2014
A Chili Showndown in Las Vegas? Well, stranger things have been known to occur there.
Maxie Pierce is trying to get things organized, without the help of her father, Jack, who has gone missing. The one thing people are missing most is his Devil's Breath Chili. No one makes it better, or hotter!
Kylie has given us another fun read. This is the 2nd book in her Chili Cook-Off Mystery, Chili Con Carnage being the 1st. If you feel that you have never read one of Kylie's books, you may be wrong. Kylie has written under the names of, Case Daniels and Miranda Bliss. Several series that she has written are The Button Box Mystery, The League Of Literary Ladies and the Chili Showdown, all under the name of Kylie. Under Miranda Bliss she has given us The Cooking class Series, and under Casey she has written the Pepper Martin Series.
Pick up a book under any of the above names, and if you're a cozy fan I'm pretty sure you'll like it.
A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Maxie Pierce is trying to get things organized, without the help of her father, Jack, who has gone missing. The one thing people are missing most is his Devil's Breath Chili. No one makes it better, or hotter!
Kylie has given us another fun read. This is the 2nd book in her Chili Cook-Off Mystery, Chili Con Carnage being the 1st. If you feel that you have never read one of Kylie's books, you may be wrong. Kylie has written under the names of, Case Daniels and Miranda Bliss. Several series that she has written are The Button Box Mystery, The League Of Literary Ladies and the Chili Showdown, all under the name of Kylie. Under Miranda Bliss she has given us The Cooking class Series, and under Casey she has written the Pepper Martin Series.
Pick up a book under any of the above names, and if you're a cozy fan I'm pretty sure you'll like it.
A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
June 28, 2015
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
September 24, 2014
Feisty Maxie and her uptight half-sister are still running their vanished father's spice business, now in Las Vegas for a chili cookoff. When one of the judges, an obnoxious comedian, is poisoned during the contest, Maxie worries that her friends will be harmed by bad publicity. Despite security chief Nick's protests, she insists on investigating. The chili motif fades out soon, as Maxie investigates the comedian's acquaintances. The real problem, for me at least, is that Maxie seems someone who would benefit from extensive therapy to resolve her daddy issues.
April 14, 2015
I'm a big fan of cozy mysteries, but this is one of the worst I've ever read. Logan interrupts the story constantly with background info. dumps; her characters are unrealistic - cartoonish even - and unsympathetic. I get it, the handsome hero is an attractive guy, and the protagonist would like to jump his bones. Do you need to mention that every few pages? Ugh. I couldn't finish this one.
September 11, 2014
This was a wonderful read. It had a little trouble in the beginning getting into it but shortly after that I was sucked right in until the end. Ms. Logan does a wonderful job with the mysteries in her books. This one had me guessing until the very end.
September 24, 2014
2.5 stars
I haven't read the previous entry in this series, and that might influence my opinions here. I did not like the vindictive, childish sisters. the ultimate motivation for the crime was unusual.
I haven't read the previous entry in this series, and that might influence my opinions here. I did not like the vindictive, childish sisters. the ultimate motivation for the crime was unusual.
August 3, 2014
Review coming August 13th
September 10, 2014
4.5 stars
January 7, 2015
Couldn't get into the characters and put the book away without finishing it. That's especially disappointing because I like Kylie Logan's other series so much.
March 21, 2016
I like Kylie Logan's button series but this was horrendous, from the spitefulness of the "sisters" to the plot. Read like it was written by a different author.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews